Following the recent hail storm that swept through the region, the Green River Building Industry Association and several local contractors are warning homeowners to be cautious when hiring help to repair roof, siding, and window damage — especially from out-of-town companies.
While some traveling contractors may be legitimate, local experts say many are what the industry calls “storm chasers” — businesses that move from town to town following storms and seeking fast, often high-dollar jobs before disappearing.
“Some of these companies may be reputable, but others are just here to make a quick buck,” said Adam Hicks, executive officer of the Green River Building Industry Association. “Three months from now, if something goes wrong with the work they did, they’re not coming back from Wisconsin or wherever they’re from to fix it.”
Hicks and others say residents should slow down and not rush into contracts, even with the pressure to make repairs quickly. Most of the storm-related damage is cosmetic and does not require immediate emergency action, he said.
“Don’t get in a hurry to hire someone just because they knocked on your door,” Hicks said. “Check with the Home Builders Association, the Better Business Bureau, the Chamber of Commerce, or even your neighbors to see who they’ve used and trusted.”
Red flags to watch for
Chad Payne, owner of Payne Roofing, said some of the out-of-town companies have been asking homeowners to sign binding contracts on the spot — something reputable local contractors typically don’t do.
“We’re not asking anybody to sign anything right away,” said Payne, whose family has been in roofing locally for three generations. “We offer free estimates. And if they’re knocking on your door, they’re not local. There’s not a local guy in town doing that.”
Payne said he’s already seeing trucks from North Carolina, Florida, and other states driving around Owensboro with slick marketing wraps and aggressive tactics. Hicks pointed out that roofing in Kentucky is unregulated, meaning anyone can claim to be a roofer — whether or not they’re licensed or insured.
“Unless your contractor is certified by the shingle manufacturer, any so-called warranty on that roof doesn’t mean anything,” Payne said. “You need to know who you’re dealing with.”
Do your homework
Todd Millay, owner of Millay’s Construction LLC, said the volume of work needed across the area is too much for local contractors to handle alone. But he urged residents to do their due diligence before handing over money.
“Before you sign anything or write a check, ask for references, proof of insurance, and make sure there’s a written contract,” Millay said. “Back in 2016, people were giving out deposits to guys who were never seen again.”
Millay also encouraged homeowners to contact their insurance agents and ask if they’ve heard of the company offering the work.
“Insurance companies often know which roofing companies are reputable and which ones to be wary of,” he said.
Warranties matter, and local companies stand behind theirs
Matthew Purcell with Owensboro Insulators said the biggest risk of using an out-of-town company is that they likely won’t be around to stand behind their work if there’s a problem.
“Unless it’s an emergency, it’s worth waiting for someone reputable who’s going to be here 5 or 10 years down the road,” Purcell said. “You don’t want a ‘taillight warranty’ — meaning the only warranty you get is watching their taillights as they leave town.”
He said Owensboro has a strong pool of experienced contractors, and residents should trust that process rather than rushing.
Contracts vs. work authorizations
Jordan Camp with Disaster Team, a local restoration company, noted that not all paperwork is a red flag — but homeowners should understand what they’re signing.
“There’s a difference between a contract and a work authorization,” Camp said. “A work authorization just gives us the right to be on your property and begin work. You’re not agreeing to a price yet, and you shouldn’t until your insurance has signed off on it.”
Camp, like the others, stressed the importance of keeping work — and dollars — local.
“These are the same businesses that sponsor your kids’ ball teams and local events,” he said. “Support the people who invest in your community.”
For a list of verified local contractors, residents can contact the Green River Building Industry Association or consult the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce.
